THE EPISTLE DEDICATORIE. 21
to give unto Darius the shielde of Pallas, so roughlie shadowed, as he smiled more at the follie of the man, then at the imperfection of his arte. So I present unto your honour the triumph of time, so rudelie finished, as I feare your honour wil rather frowne at my impudencie, then laugh at my ignorancie: But I hope my willing minde shal excuse my slender skill, and your honours curtesie shadowe my rashnes.
They which feare the biting of vipers do carie in their hands the plumes of a Phoenix. Phydias drewe Vulcan sitting in a chair of Ivory. Csesars crow durst never cry, Ave, but when she was pearked on the Capitoll. And I seeke to shroude this imperfect Pamphlet under your honours patronage, doubting the dint of such invenomed vipers, as seeke with their slaunderous reproches to carpe at al, being oftentimes, most unlearned of all; and assure myselfe, that your honours renowmed valure, and vertuous disposition shall be a sufficient defence to protect me from the Poysoned tongues of such scorning Sycophants, hoping that as Jupiter vouchsafed to lodge in Philemons thatched Cotage: and Phillip of Macedon, to take a bunche of grapes of a country pesant, so I hope your honour, measuring my worke by my will, and wayghing more the mind than the matter, will when you have cast a glaunce at this toy, with Minerva, under your golden Target couer a deformed Owle. And in this hope I rest, wishing unto you, and the vertuous Coun-tesse your wife, such happy successe as your honours can desire, or I imagine.
Your Lordships most duetifully to commaunde :
ROBERT GREENE.